TESTIMONIALS

Elephant Mask - 161 - Fair Trade Woodcarving from Africa

GBP - £22.50USD (approx) - $31.36EUR (approx) - €25.49

Ceremonial Elephant Mask Hand-carved in Kumasi, Ghana, by John Koranteng.

Wooden masks, which might either be human or animal or of mythical creatures, are one of the most commonly found forms of art in western Africa. In their original contexts, ceremonial masks are used for celebrations, initiations, crop harvesting, and war preparation. The masks are worn by a chosen or initiated dancer. During the mask ceremony the dancer goes into deep trance, and during this state of mind he "communicates" with his ancestors.

This item is part of an unique selection of handmade woodcarvings from Ghana. These gifts are all hand-carved by handicraft cooperatives in the Ashanti region of Ghana. The woodcarvings depict scenes from African Village and tribal life, and represent a genuine piece of Africa in your home.